After Passing the Examination

More Translations from the Chinese, by Arthur Waley, [1919], at sacred-texts.com

p. 36 p. 37

[11] AFTER PASSING THE EXAMINATION

(A.D. 800)

For ten years I never left my books;
I went up… and won unmerited praise.
My high place I do not much prize;
The joy of my parents will first make me proud.
Fellow students, six or seven men,
See me off as I leave the City gate.
My covered couch is ready to drive away;
Flutes and strings blend their parting tune.
Hopes achieved dull the pains of parting;
Fumes of wine shorten the long road…
Shod with wings is the horse of him who rides
On a Spring day the road that leads to home.